Worldwide semiconductor sales grew 7.6% in July 2008 compared to July 2007. The growth is attributable to strength in cellphone and PC sales in particular.
AMAT released earnings that were slightly above consensus estimates, giving a nice pop to the stock.
SIA Global reported that world semiconductor unit sales are up 8% over a year ago, driven largely by a 12.9% increase in Asia-Pacific. June semiconductor sales were up .5% y-o-y, but were 12% y-o-y when memory chips are excluded.
Oil prices rise well above $100.
AMAT agreed to a $1.9 billion deal with a private foreign company to build multiple solar panel factories.
A struggling semiconductor and silicon market drive shares down. Though AMAT's growing strength in solar may help offset this demand weakness.
A reduction in semiconductor demand and oversupply coming from memory manufacturers resulted in reduced profitability for AMAT in 4Q07.
Applied Materials reported that it expected orders of its equipment to drop between 10%-15% from the second quarter.
Applied Materials completed the acquisition of Brooks Software, making AMAT the largest supplier of Material Control Systems software in the world.
Applied Materials reported earnings estimates in line with analyst estimates.
